Convoy of big rigs slow traffic on LA freeways in protest of gig worker law
A convoy of big rig trucks are causing delays on Los Angeles freeways in protest of California legislation that is reclassifying truck drivers as gig workers.
According to the California Highway Patrol, lanes are open, but traffic is moving slowly. The convoy has caused delays on the Vincent Thomas Bridge between Long Beach and San Pedro, and the 110 and 710 freeways. Meanwhile, some drivers stayed behind to picket the entrance to the port complex.
The work stoppage is expected to last 24 hours.
The truckers are protesting AB 5, which is also known as the gig worker law, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2020. The law, which applies only to workers in California regardless of where the employer is based, assumes all workers as employees unless they satisfy three conditions: they are free from the control of the hiring company, do work outside the hiring company's usual business, and have an independent business themselves.
The law was intended to protect contract workers and give them minimum wage, overtime pay, unemployment and worker's compensation insurance, and paid family leave. But the same law caused an uproar among freelance workers and independent contract workers -- such as big rig drivers, many of whom operate as small business owners.
The California Trucking Association had won an injunction when it challenged AB5 in court, but the Supreme Court on June 30 refused to hear the case, allowing the law to go into effect for big rig drivers. Harbor Trucking Association CEO Matt Schrap told the FreightWaves trucking news site that the ruling will have far-reaching impacts that will upend the industry, and predicted tens of thousands of truck drivers will be driven out of established business relationships within the week.
Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach, says access to its terminals and roadways remain open during the protests.
"We are aware of the issues surrounding the requirements of AB5, and we are working with our drayage partners and other stakeholders to ensure that goods can be delivered safely and quickly through the supply chain," Cordero said in a statement.